What Is HICAT Therapy? Creative Arts Healing Guide

You may have heard of art therapy or movement workshops, but HICAT (Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapy) brings these elements together into a gentle, creative healing journey. Rather than talking through problems alone, HICAT uses visual arts, music, movement, writing and storytelling to help you access and transform deep emotional and physical patterns in a safe, non-judgemental space.

Three Core Principles of HICAT

1. Whole-Self Integration
   HICAT honours body, mind and spirit as interconnected. By engaging multiple creative modalities - dance, drawing, voice - you’ll find the channels that best express and release what’s been held inside.

2. Process Over Product
   This isn’t about making “good art.” Every brushstroke, note or movement is simply a meaningful step in your personal story, not a performance to critique.

3. Facilitated Safety & Support
   Sessions are led by a qualified HICAT practitioner who holds space for you to explore at your own pace. You’ll be guided to notice sensations, emotions and insights—always returning to grounding practices to ensure you feel resourced.

What to Expect in a HICAT Session

• Opening Check-In: A brief chat to set intentions and gauge your current state.

• Creative Exploration: Choose a modality, or blend several, to express what words alone can’t reach.

• Reflection & Integration: With gentle prompts, you’ll uncover themes or beliefs emerging from your art.

• Closure & Resourcing: We end with soothing practices, breathwork, grounding drawings or mindful movement, to help you leave feeling steady and seen.

A Quick Example

Imagine you’re working with clay to mould a safe container. As you shape its walls, memories of feeling unsupported may surface. In that creative act, you symbolically rebuild a sense of containment, and your nervous system learns a new story of safety.

Could HICAT Be Right for You?

If you long for a healing path that honours creativity, body awareness and emotional depth, HICAT offers a unique, integrative approach.

Ready to begin?

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